What to Expect in the Rainforest Challenge? This event
creates a genre that is different from any other off-road competition
anywhere in the world.
1. Location, timing and fellowship of different nationalities united in
the passion for 4x4. An extraordinary group of adventurers pitting their
skills in off-roading and recovery in an extraordinary terrain and in an
extraordinary season – the monsoon!!
2. The route chosen is different year by year. The trails follow existing
or disused logging trails that are usually no wider than the vehicles, and
the event is at the mercy of Mother Nature. When it rains, it pours! The
rivers can rise rapidly (2-3 metres per hour is common), and this in turn
leads to major flooding. Such conditions can contribute to altering the
schedule and sometimes the route. Changes to the itinerary are, thus,
frequent due to such climatic conditions. The sequence of events can
happen rapidly. So be prepared for any changes. Even though you may not
see or know what’s happening ahead, stay calm and cool under any
circumstances. The organizing team will do the necessary rerouting and
regrouping to keep the event going. All decisions taken will be for the
overall good of the event and for all participants, even though they might
not be satisfactory for your team. Remember that it’s one for all and all
for one.
3. The first day’s action – the Prologue Special Stages is usually held on
a site chosen near to the flag-off town and attracts crowds of spectators.
This can continue into the afternoon of the second day. After that, the
convoy will normally depart for a jungle campsite. Depending on the site
available to the Course Designer, any natural and sustainable obstacles
will be used along with an array of man-mad obstacles to create up to 6
competitive Special Stages (SS).
4. The competitors’ placing at the end of the prologue will be used as the
starting order for the first day’s jungle SS. During the subsequent days,
draws out of the hat are held to give random starting order for the rest
of the SS. This will give a fair chance to everyone as the going gets
tougher
5. Once on route in the jungle, competitive SS are laid out whenever
possible. Sometimes the SS laid out during the reconnaissance (recce)
would be ‘taken over” by the jungle itself through natural means (erosion,
flood and/or landslides). However, every effort is made to choose
locations that are sustainable. The number of competitive vehicles and
Mother Nature has a major influence on the number of SS
6. The competition is fluid as it moves on from day to day incorporating
SS along the route. The whole convoy will move and camp at different
location each night. Occasionally we will have a base camp for two nights.
This gives the competition Course Designer a chance to condense as many SS
into one area (including some night SS)
7. There will be some parts of the route that only competition vehicles
will use. All other vehicles, including support and press vehicles, will
have to take an alternative route. Competitors and their support teams may
spend one, two or more nights separated from each other. So all teams must
be prepared for self-sufficiency in food and camping needs during such
times.
8. As the event convoy moves along the jungle trails, the many obstacles
will inevitably cause queuing and waiting for everyone. This waiting time
can however be used constructively to sort out winching equipment,
checking over mechanical items and even catching up on your meals and
sleep. Sometimes the weather can wreck havoc even on “safe” or escape
routes, so be prepared for anything. No plans are foolproof, there is no
guarantee of a safe passage anywhere; use the waiting time to good use for
yourselves.
9. There will be designated camp areas along the route, usually disused
logging sites. Whenever possible, campsites are chosen close to a river or
stream (with running water) giving everyone an opportunity to wash off the
day’s mud and sweat. BUT, if the weather affects our itinerary, it may be
necessary to camp on the tracks. In these circumstances, the Competition
Manager, Course Designer or Event Director will make the decision as when
and where we make camp.
10. The competition is tough on the vehicles. Mud and sand gets into
everything, clogging up radiators and affecting alternators and starter
motors and also deteriorating and destroying the brake pads. So, please
check your vehicles at every opportunity you get
11. The natural jungle conditions can sap the strength of competitors.
Heat, humidity, the ever-present dampness, mosquitoes, sand flies, leeches
and the strain of competitive sections will all take their toll!!
12. To get most of your participation in the event, you must come with the
right frame of mind and with a correct attitude. If you are mentally and
physically prepared for the worst – you will enjoy the experience.
Be forewarned, the Rainforest Challenge is not for the faint-hearted.
Mother Nature rules supreme; respect the laws of the jungle when living
out your “passion” in 4x4
Prepared by RFC Secretariat (Future Oracle)
Luis J.A.Wee
Founder & Creator of the Rainforest Challenge
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